The rules are simple: write a 55-word essay or poem. Fifty-five words precisely. Send it to me.

Winner wins $55.

We publish your entry, your photograph and we make a big deal of you in the newspaper. We also publish you online. We Facebook you. We blog you. We tweet you. Others re-tweet you. Still others serve tweet peas.

By way of example, here is a 55-Worder:

1,000 Ways to Happiness, Condensed

Let it go. (for real this time)

Smile.

Stop rationalizing. Start being honest.

Stop glaring. Start making eye contact.

Stop talking. Start listening.

Read.

Stop honking. Start waving.

Stop splurging. Start conserving.

Stop swearing. Start forgiving.

Pray.

Cut calories. Add walking.

Donate time, money and blood.

Stop holding back. Start reaching out.

Repeat as needed.

- Kirsten Carlson

Entry is free. Enter as often as you like. School classes may enter. The chattering class may enter. French classes may entrez.